The 2015 Mill Creek HolidayFest Tree Lighting was a spectacular success due to the high spirits, energy, goodwill and support from all of the partners who helped make it happen, and all of the citizens who came to the park to enjoy the festivities.

A beautiful new lighting design, which

includes 25,000 new lights on 41 trees in the park, began glowing in sections, dramatically timed with the chorus of a holiday song being performed by South Portland middle school and high school chorus students under the direction of teachers Bev Hosic and Jamie Swenson.

The horse-drawn wagons, s’mores at the fire pits, delicious food, and Santa at City Hall were just a few highlights.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the individuals, businesses and groups who donated their time and resources to make this a wonderful event and very special community evening. They are the City of South Portland and its Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront department, the South Portland School Department, and the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Community Chamber of Commerce.

The special guest emcee for the evening was Katie Thompson from WMTW News Channel 8.

Business sponsors were: Saco and Biddeford Savings Institution; Texas Instruments; Town and Country Federal Credit Union; U.S. Cellular; Kaplan University; Marriott Sable Oaks; Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice; Norway Savings Bank; Keybank; South Portland Schools Superintendent Kunin; Waterfront Graphics and Printers.

As we welcome in the winter, the lights in the park will help us all remember what a special place we live in, and how a great group of folks got together and made HolidayFest happen!